DUBAI 5 August 2020: The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) yesterday announced the completion of an updated map of the Abu Dhabi and Dubai using the UAE’s first high-resolution satellite image ‘Mosaic’, captured by KhalifaSat.
The system captures a matrix of individual digital images to create a single high-resolution picture of the UAE’s terrain. This imaging system by MBRSC will provide a comprehensive view of the UAE’s topography, using remote sensing systems, image processing, geographic information systems and artificial intelligence. While the service currently provides detailed high-resolution satellite image mosaic of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, mosaic of all emirates will be released soon.
In view of the MBRSC’s efforts to spread knowledge, expand the use of space technologies owned by them and extend cooperation frameworks to all entities, Mosaic will be provided to all government and non-governmental entities free of charge for the purpose of benefiting the agencies and enhancing their role in the UAE society.
This type of satellite imagery is relevant to stakeholders in infrastructure, urban planning, environment and climate change sectors, energy, education, technology, roads and transportation, among others in the UAE. Accordingly, MBRSC will provide high-resolution images from the Mosaic system, after conducting a comprehensive survey of the area requested by the entity, according to the nature of their activity.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre collects images of a specific geographic area through the KhalifaSat at specific intervals ranging from days or months. These images are then combined to form one single comprehensive image with a high visual resolution of up to 0.7 metres, in TIFF format, well-known for storing raster graphics images. This is in addition to the satellite’s 90 km land coverage. Mosaic differs from other satellite images as it has higher image resolution and clarity due to the use of Geo-referencing system and other modern technologies.
Explaining the methodology of the new imaging system, Ammar Saif AlMuhairi, Head of Image Processing Section, MBRSC, explains: “The “Mosaic” imaging system at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre goes through systematic stages of image extraction. Firstly, individual images scattered over an area are taken by the satellite during a given period. The system then geo-assigns these images using a coordinate reference system to ensure the highest possible resolution. The image correction phase is followed by enhancing contrast and various corrections to make sure that all images are free of distortions. Finally, the colours of the satellite images are matched and blended, followed by the testing of the outcome by the relevant team, and ensuring its correctness before finally releasing it.”
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre owns remote sensing satellites, like the DubaiSat 1 and 2 satellites and its successor KhalifaSat.
These satellites have helped produce several scientific reports and studies that are dedicated to observing and monitoring the Earth, and also provides satellite images.
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